36173 Lusterless Navy Gray- RAPCO Rattle Can Spray Paint

Federal Standard 36173 Lusterless Navy Gray

— Ultra-Flat, rugged camouflage paint for every tactical pursuit. Battle-tested, non-reflective shades built for your trucks, ATVs, blinds, and outdoor gear.

 

Did you know? 

FS 36173 Lusterless Navy Gray is a long-running U.S. Navy gray used on Navy vehicles and equipment from World War II through the modern era. It has a distinctive medium-gray appearance with a subtle blue undertone, and its lusterless finish helps minimize glare. FS 36173 is particularly useful for WWII and post-WWII U.S. Navy vehicle restorations, continuing through the Cold War era and beyond. Navy vehicles were often painted to complement the gray color of the ships or facilities they supported.

 

Using RAPCO Paints

Preparation:

• Shake the Can: Shake for at least 2 minutes after hearing the rattle. Rapco’s high-quality, thicker paint requires thorough mixing for optimal results.

Application Tips:

• Clear the Nozzle: After each coat, clear the nozzle to prevent clogging. Spray the can upside down into a safe backstop (we recommend a cardboard box on its side) for 1-2 seconds until no paint comes out.
• Adjustable Nozzle: The nozzle sprays in a flat "fan" pattern and is set to a vertical spray by default. The vertical spray pattern can sometimes catch the lip of the can and cause some dripping, so rotating the nozzle even 15º can avoid this. Use a pair of your wife’s sharp tweezers (we give you permission) to carefully adjust the white nozzle to your desired angle. Be patient; it may take a little effort to rotate.

Storage and Shelf Life:

• Shelf Life: Rapco paints have a shelf life of 1 year. A month of manufacture sticker is included on each can for your reference. For best results, use within 6 months. Beyond 1 year the paint may begin to solidify, becoming unreliable for spraying. 
• Storage: For the longest life, store your paints at room temperature. Extreme temperatures for extended periods can shorten the life of the product.

Rattlecan Pro-Tips

• Surface Prep: Degrease the surface before painting. We recommend using 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wipe down the exterior, focusing on areas where oils and grease accumulate, such as the upper and lower receiver (for AR-15s). This method cleans effectively without harming your hands. For extremely greasy surfaces, acetone can be used, though it’s more aggressive.
• Drying Time: Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before applying the next coat. Typically, this takes 1-2 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. If the paint feels tacky, allow more time.
• Ideal Conditions: For best results, paint in temperatures between 70-80ºF with lower humidity. While you can use the paints outside this range, keep in mind that higher humidity and lower temperatures will slow drying and curing times.
• Cure Time: It’s recommended to allow 24 hours for the paint to harden before rough handling or removing stencils. Wait one week before applying oils or lubricants to your painted gun.
• DO NOT CLEAR COAT: Rapco paints are extremely high quality and very durable, but more importantly may not play nice with other brands and the chemistry within them!
• Finish: Paint will apply heavy and shiny but will dry flat and even. Give it 24 hours to fully flatten out. Expect the paint to gradually lose shine over 1-2 days, achieving a flat finish.